About Our Savior

Greetings in name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ!

History

During a time of civil unrest, wartime, racial despair, and segregation, Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church (OSELC) defied all odds and became one the first multi-cultural churches in the state of Indiana and the first predominately African-American church in Indianapolis.  In 1939, Our Savior started out as a meeting in the homes of the first 6 charter members as a Bible Study.  That Bible Study grew exponentially over the next year and the service moved to a storefront on W. 26th Street where the first Divine Service was held.  In a short span of time, Our Savior's membership had grown to justify the need for a physical building and they secured the triangular plot of land on what is now 261 West 25^th Street. Our Savior started as a Lutheran mission church with an aim at introducing the Lutheran faith to the African-American community of Indianapolis.  This LCMS mission was led by Pastor Henry Scheperle, and an African American woman named Jeanette Sims, from St. Louis. The building was completed and dedicated in 1941.  

Building Structure

This church was built with a view that is seemingly timeless. The limestone structure, large wooden trusses, and beautiful stained-glass windows adorn the church from near and afar. In the year 2000, a large annex structure was built to complement the primary building of the church and our further support our church ministry. This structure consists of a business office, two classrooms, an elevator, an exterior handicap ramp and a basement dining hall, we named Kenny Hall. Our church caught fire on August 7, 2018.  After careful restoration, repairs, and reorganization, our church is now in near pristine condition both inside and outside. We as a congregation successfully returned to serving the community and the Kingdom, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Indianapolis holds a unique place in Indianapolis’ social and religious history, a symbol of racial unity during a period of widespread segregation in Indianapolis, the state, and the nation (Indiana Landmarks, 2018).  Our Savior is listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites.

Solidarity

Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church (OSELC) demonstrates love, peace, truth, and solidarity among all nationalities, races, and cultures. The history of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, here on the near westside of Indianapolis, Indiana is one that expresses the power of unity and ministry among all races of people, stemming from God’s Word, Love, and Grace.

Synodical Affiliation

Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church is proudly affiliated with  the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, located in St. Louis, Missouri. We stand with and are in agreement with the doctrinal stances of the LCMS.